The Power of Music: Maren Morris’s Emotional Journey in "The Wild Robot"
Introduction
Maren Morris, the acclaimed country-pop singer-songwriter, has had the unique opportunity to blend her music with the world of animation. In her latest endeavor, Morris worked on the soundtrack for the upcoming animated film, "The Wild Robot," based on the bestselling novel by Peter Brown. In this article, we will explore Morris’s emotional journey as she connected with the story and its themes, creating music that resonates with parents and children alike.
Maren Morris’s Emotional Connection to "The Wild Robot"
When Morris began working on the soundtrack for "The Wild Robot," she donned her "mom hat." As a mother herself, Morris found an emotional connection to the story of a shipwrecked robot, Roz, who forms bonds with the animals on an uninhabited island. Morris’s son, Hayes, is only 4 years old, and she found herself relating to Roz’s desire to be close to her young companion, Brightbill. Writing songs for the film was an honor for Morris, as it allowed her to feel even closer to her son, especially during her touring schedule.
"Kiss the Sky" – A Pivotal Moment in the Film
Morris co-wrote and sang the uplifting song, "Kiss the Sky," which plays over a pivotal scene in the film. The song, featuring Morris on vocals, captures the spirit of Roz helping Brightbill fulfill his destiny by teaching him to fly. The music video, premiering below, showcases the heartwarming moment, symbolizing growth and empowerment.
Behind the Music – The Making of "Kiss the Sky"
Co-writer Michael Pollack explained the song’s significance, stating that it needed to evoke both the struggles Brightbill faces and the triumph of his ultimate success. The melodic arc of the song mirrors the actions of a bird taking flight, rising from section to section before soaring in the post-chorus.
The End-Title Song, "Even When I’m Not"
Morris also penned the end-title song, "Even When I’m Not," with co-writer Isaiah Tejada. Both songs were produced by The Monsters & Strangerz production team and Tejada. Kris Bowers handled orchestration and served as the movie’s composer.
The Voice Cast of "The Wild Robot"
The film features an all-star voice cast, including Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o as Roz; Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Pedro Pascal as fox Fink; Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara as opossum Pinktail; Oscar nominee Bill Nighy as goose Longneck; Kit Connor as Brightbill; and Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu as robot Vontra.
Conclusion
Maren Morris’s involvement in "The Wild Robot" project showcases her versatility as an artist and her ability to connect with stories that resonate with parents and children. Her music brings an emotional depth to the film, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its uplifting message and beautiful animation, "The Wild Robot" promises to be a beloved film for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Maren Morris to work on the soundtrack for "The Wild Robot"?
A: Morris found an emotional connection to the story, particularly as a mother herself, and wanted to bring her music to the film.
Q: What is the significance of "Kiss the Sky" in the film?
A: The song plays over a pivotal scene in the film, where Roz helps Brightbill fulfill his destiny by teaching him to fly. The song captures the spirit of growth and empowerment.
Q: Who is the voice cast of "The Wild Robot"?
A: The film features an all-star voice cast, including Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Pedro Pascal, and Oscar nominee Bill Nighy, among others.
Q: When will "The Wild Robot" be released?
A: The film will be released on September 27, along with the soundtrack featuring Morris’s original songs.
